I’m excited about Oasis, but sad about the fate of venues that took a chance on them | Letters

Solely 11 of the 34 venues that the band played on their first tour in 1994 have survived, writes James Kirkham, while Warren Brown challenges the Britpop supremacy of both Oasis and Blur

Like many people in their mid-40s, I’m massively enthusiastic about Oasis touring next summer time (Report, 27 August). But there’s unhappiness too. When Oasis toured for the first time in 1994, 34 grassroots venues throughout the UK took a chance and booked them. Now, only 11 of those& places still exist – the other 23& have closed for good.

It’s a stark reminder of what we’ve lost and what it means for the future of music and communities. These 23 vanished venues have been lifelines. They have been locations the place acts resembling Oasis, still rough around the edges, might hone their craft. They have been part of the social material of their communities, essential gathering locations. Their closures mirror rising gentrification, rising rents and a society that’s more and more prepared to sacrifice tradition for revenue. When these venues disappear, we lose locations you can stumble into and witness reside music which may change your life. We lose spaces where art and group happens, where individuals connect.